Clear your calendar - It's going down! Text Blocks kicks off on May 20th, and you're invited to take part in the festivities. Splash HQ (122 W 26th St) is our meeting spot for a night of fun and excitement. Come one, come all, bring a guest, and hang loose. This is going to be epic!

R. Harrison

CEO Barkbook

List Item

Clear your calendar - It's going down! Splash Blocks kicks off on April 20th, and you're invited to take part in the festivities. Splash HQ (122 W 26th St) is our meeting spot for a night of fun and excitement. Come one, come all, bring a guest, and hang loose. This is going to be epic!

Clean and Simple

Clear your calendar - It's going down! Text Blocks kicks off on May 20th, and you're invited to take part in the festivities. Splash HQ (122 W 26th St) is our meeting spot for a night of fun and excitement. Come one, come all, bring a guest, and hang loose. This is going to be epic!

Responding to disruption is perhaps the most important strategic issue facing businesses and countries today. The day-long event aims to spark ideas and discussions centering on the massive paradigm shifts that disruptive technologies are creating across sectors, and their potential to drive investment and shape the next wave of Malta’s growth.

THEME

Thinking without the box: disruption, technology and FDI’ is this years’ theme for EY Malta’s Annual Attractiveness Event. Through a series of keynote addresses, panel discussions and break-out sessions, the conference aims to explore how government and businesses will harness the power of disruptive innovation, in order to be the disruptor rather than the disrupted.

malta's investment appeal

The findings from EY’s Annual Malta Attractiveness Survey will be unveiled at the event to provide game-changing information on Malta's investment attractiveness. The insights are widely regarded by business, the media, politicians and major public stakeholders as the key source of insight into what makes the country attractive for investment on both national and sectoral levels.

AUDIENCE interaction

Topical breakout sessions, live polling and Q&A sessions will give delegates the platform to share their perspectives and interact with industry pioneers. Keeping with the digital theme,delegate packs will contain a complimentary tablet containing all conference materials.

NETWORKING

Enhanced networking opportunities will be a hallmark of this year’s event. A dedicated EY Event App will allow delegates to connect and schedule meetings prior to the event. A new post-conference reception will close off the event with some food, drinks and music.

EY’s Annual Attractiveness Event is well-known for its dynamic Break-Out Sessions – a chance for delegates to splinter-off into sector-specific discussions, and literally think without the box.

This year will see the introduction of a new exciting format plus themes which are here and now. Industry pioneers will lead sessions delving deeply into how disruption, technology and FDI will impact different areas of business.

Moving people & things

Is the path to future growth driven by smart infrastructure? Growth in travel needs is fast outpacing the development of traditional transport infrastructures, resulting in gridlocked roads, and goods & services not reaching businesses and consumers in time. This session will explore logistics in Malta, the role that alternative mass transit systems, self-driving cars, the internet of things and other smart technologies could help to alleviate the problems of today for tomorrow.

Turning promises to reality: Fintech, blockchain and more

With the recently launched and visionary ‘National Blockchain Strategy’, Malta is positioning itself on the frontline of innovation for building a burgeoning FinTech sector. But turning a vision into reality is a formidable challenge. This session will examine the institutional ecosystem needed to develop and commercialise blockchain, fintech models and disruptive innovation.

iGaming: Market disruption – staying ahead of the game

iGaming has rapidly become one of the cornerstones of the Maltese economy. With an outstanding reputation as an iGaming destination it is important to be responsive to the industry’s changing needs. This session will discuss the implications of the new regulatory framework and further opportunities which are driven by new technologies.

Life beyond technology

Technological advancements have been disrupting business models for centuries. The Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, artificial intelligence, robotics, and genetics all promise to be even more revolutionary. Today’s businesses, government and individuals are responding to shifts that would have seemed unimaginable even a few years ago. This session will explore what new advancements might be on the horizon and what Malta should be focusing on.

Start me up

Today, more than ever, Malta’s business ecosystem should aim to create a sustainable and advantageous playing-field for start-ups. Challenges and obstacles will persist for any young company but with the right measures and assistance in place, start-ups will have a short capacity-building curve which leads to success. This session will face these challenges and the ways to address them head on.

From Brexit to Maltentry

Following the UK’s 2016 Brexit referendum, many uncertainties persist as to what Brexit really means for the EU and its member states, including Malta. Strong bilateral relations between Malta and the UK will be crucial going forward. This session amongst key public and private stakeholders seeks to explore how we can leverage our existing strong ties and position in Europe to support UK businesses.

A population of 3 million?

Malta’s economic success has resulted in unprecedented levels of low-unemployment, creating a recruitment challenge for employers, especially in the high-skilled sectors. This session will discuss whether it is possible to sustain economic growth through massive population growth and how Malta’s educational system needs to cater for the new digital economy.

Across the sea: a new economy for Gozo

Gozo has many unique selling points which can play a big part in attracting investment. Recent discussions have centred on the need to develop a permanent link between the islands. This session seeks to explore the possibility of connecting Gozo to Malta, explore new economic initiatives, stemming the brain drain and others. Clearly, this is the right time to work on a new vision for Gozo’s economy and its FDI component.